To Anyone Working On Themselves Right Now, I'm So Proud Of You

I think one of the best things anyone can do to keep their lives balanced is taking the time they need to figure out where their heart is currently. Taking the time you need for yourself is the most beneficial thing you can do to clear your head, mind, and body.

I've been in therapy since I was 17 and taking the time you need to clear all toxicity out of your life is one of the main things my therapists have advised me to do and honestly, it has been incredibly beneficial in my life. Taking the time you need to heal takes courage because our society normalized the thought that once something terrible in your life happens, you just have to move on and get over it immediately. This is far from the truth. If you don't give yourself the time you personally need to heal from something that has happened to you, you will always find yourself stuck in your own toxic ways.

Here's an example, if you were emotionally manipulated or abused in a pretty long-term relationship, once that relationship is over, most people will try and tell you to just get over it and move on already, or you'll try to take matters into your own hands and move on before you're ready to. This will just make it worse and you'll find yourself back in another emotionally manipulative relationship because you never sat yourself down and reflected on what the prior relationship did to you. In order to leave your toxic habits behind, you have to find the courage in yourself to sit down and conquer your demons one by one.

I appreciate the people who choose to take the time they need to work on themselves because it will help them in the long run. You can't give your heart to someone deserving of it until you take back the pieces of your heart others have kept from you. You can't give your all to someone if your heart is in a million places, so taking the time to regain those missing pieces help free you and enable you to give your all to that someone who deserves it.

When tragedies strike us, we all have that fight or flight instinct. We all have to remember that rather than going with our gut instinct to either run or hide, sometimes we need to just take it slow and work on solving our problems. It's like they say, great things never come from comfort zones. Taking whatever time you need to work on the problems inside of you help conquer your fight or flight responses and show you that some things in life are worth working on.

If you're someone who is taking the time to work on your life, I am so, incredibly, proud of you. I know I am always taking whatever time I need to work on myself and it has helped me through many tough times in my life. I think everyone needs to remember that even miracles take a little time and to never rush your life. Take it slow and let life take you where you need to go. Love everyone with no regrets and never forget that you are loved and valued by many.

To The Girl Who Isn't Graduating On Time, It Won't Feel Any Less Amazing When You Do

I promise, you will get there eventually, and you will walk across that graduation stage with the biggest smile on your face.

You may have a different journey than the people you grew up with, and that is OKAY. You may have some twists and turns along the way, a few too many major changes, a life change, you may have taken most of a semester off to try to figure your life out, and you're doing the best you can.

Your family and your friends don't think less of you or your accomplishments, they are proud of your determination to get your degree.

They are proud of the woman you are becoming. They don't think of you as a failure or as someone any less awesome than you are. You're getting your degree, you're making moves towards your dreams and the life that you have always wanted, so please stop beating yourself up while you see people graduating college on time and getting a job or buying a car.

Your time will come, you just keep doing what you need to do in order to get on that graduation stage.

Your path is set out for you, and you will get there with time but also with patience. The place you're at right now is where you are supposed to be. You are going to thrive and you are going to be the best version of you when you graduate and start looking for a company that you will be proud to work for. Don't look on social media and feel less than, because at least you're still working towards your degree that you are finally passionate about. You will be prepared. You will be ready once the time comes and you cross the stage, move away, and start your journey in whatever field you're going into.

11 Things You NEVER Say To A College Girl Trying To Get Into Shape

When my family and friends joked that I was going to gain 15 pounds in my freshman year of college as a result of the "Freshman 15," I thought it was what it was supposed to be: a joke. However, as the year has come to an end, I realized that I actually did put on a couple of pounds, albeit it wasn't the predicted 15.

As I told those that I wanted to get into an ideal shape for my body, I was met with some insensitive and ignorant remarks. Everyone thought that I mean just losing the weight I had put on.

1. "You walk to all of your classes, why aren't you losing weight that way?"

My legs are more toned than they ever have been before. However, most of the weight I have been gaining has gone directly to my gut (annoying!) and walking does not remedy that. Unfortunately, I have to stick to ab workouts.

2. "But you look fine to me!"

I don't feel healthy to myself. I'm not trying to stay in shape for anyone else, just myself, thanks. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better about my body image but I know something has to be done.

3. "I didn't gain any weight in college."

Good for you. I did. I'm trying to do something about it.

4. "Just stop drinking."

I don't drink. Really, the only liquid I consume is water or iced tea. I don't like soda and alcohol makes me nauseous way too easily.

5. "Isn't the gym free on campus for students?"

Yes, but some people don't like working out in front of others. I am one of those people. My friend lives in an apartment complex that has their own gym and almost no one is ever there but not everyone has that luxury. Also, some are busy and do not have time for a quick jog or to stretch.

6. "You should try this diet/pills/exercise routine."

I am thankful that you are trying to help but my diet is just eating healthy and having a few cheat days in between. I know what exercises work best for me and I am just not taking pills. Bodies adjust differently.

7. "Don't starve/force yourself to throw up."

Trust me, I know. I'm trying to lose the weight healthily. If you do find yourself practicing unhealthy eating habits or realizing your body image is deteriorating, the NEDA Hotline is (800) 931-2237. Please reach out if you are going through hardships.

8. "Won't you have to buy a whole new wardrobe?"

If I drop (or even add) a size or two. We grow out and grow tired of clothes on the regular, what's the difference if you have to buy some because of a weight change? Plus, who doesn't love buying new clothes?

9. "Just eat healthier."

Didn't think of it! Options are limited at college where the dining halls don't offer all that much that is actually good for your body. Now that I'm at home, it's easier. But I'm already trying to eat healthy.

10. "You've evened out since the last time I saw you!"

This is code for you've put on some weight. I hear it mostly from older relatives because my friends will flat out tell me if I've gotten a little chunky.

11. "You're just stressed."

Personally, this one gets me livid. I do admit that when I am stressed or anxious, I do turn to food for comfort but when I am delighted and genuinely happy, will my body magically revert into a fit state?

Sadly, no.

Honestly, I am just trying to get my body back into shape. For me, that means cutting back on greasy foods and kicking a bad habit of sitting on my butt all day. For others, it could mean more or less. As long as your body is in good physical condition and you are content, the number on the scale and others' thoughts shouldn't matter. Take care of yourself.